We are delighted to announce that Miss GONG Yanni Coco, a Year 4 student in our BA (Hons) in Environment & Interior Design programme, has been named a PolyU Outstanding Student of School of Design for 2024. As one of 29 exceptional students recognised at the departmental and faculty/school levels this year, Coco’s achievements are truly remarkable.

In our interview, Coco shared how PolyU’s Environment and Interior Design programme has nurtured her critical thinking and human-centered design approach, broadening her perspective on ‘interior’ from micro-scale structures to environmental relationships. Passionate about addressing Hong Kong’s urban challenges, she plans to pursue a Master’s in Architecture here, with the goal of becoming a people-oriented architect. As a non-local student from mainland China, Coco credits her six years in Hong Kong and learning Cantonese for deepening her cultural understanding. Join us to explore her inspiring journey and the passion behind her success.

^{Photo taken during service learning trip to Kyohoku, Japan.} 

Q: How has the studies in PolyU Design influenced your approach to design?

Coco: My studies at PolyU Design have fulfilled my dual aspirations as both a builder and a creator. The Environment and Interior Design programme has honed my critical thinking skills and encouraged me to devise creative yet efficient and practical solutions. It has broadened my understanding of 'interior' beyond traditional home furnishing to encompass diverse contexts, from the micro-scale of an instrument structure to the macro-scale of a building's relationship with its environment.

A pivotal experience was my internship at Littleurbanmountain, where I contributed to a stage design project for visually impaired dancers. The design had to provide a safe and secure performance venue for visually impaired dancers, as well as a stage installation for sighted audiences that would harmonize with the venue’s environment. At the same time, it was necessary to meet the client’s requirements and consider the venue’s constraints. This experience allowed me to gain practical experience by understanding the details of how designers work with multiple parties and to appreciate the roles and responsibilities of a designer. When architectural design and social considerations (e.g., time constraints, public value, social responsibility) go hand in hand, using design expertise to devise humane solutions often outweighs an extreme sense of design. I was fortunate to see the finished project in February. Witnessing its completion underscored the power of collaboration in bringing a designer’s vision to life.

I had a similar experience during the Amsterdam study tour organized by the School of Design in 2023. We travelled to a local community labelled a red-light district, spoke with residents, and explored other businesses within the community. We learned about the red-light district label and the impact of overtourism, and worked together to create a new community map to redefine their identity. We suggested a community treasure hunt so residents and tourists could explore and learn about local traders. To our surprise, upon returning to Hong Kong, we discovered on social media that local merchants had collaborated to bring this idea to life. Though it was just one neighbourhood, it gave me a sense of satisfaction in turning a design concept into reality.

Additionally, one of PolyU’s distinctive service-learning programmes allowed me to apply knowledge practically to serve the community. Last year, I travelled to Kyohoku (north of Kyoto), Japan, to design and build a camp for hunters living in a primeval forest to experience their culture. Initially, that was the plan, but due to changing forest conditions and the need to consider each individual’s ability to cope with the wilderness, the project shifted to designing posters and promotional pamphlets. This experience made me reflect on the role of a designer, which can be limited by time, place, and personal factors. Finding the most suitable design solution in the moment is a critical skill for designers.

Overall, these opportunities have enriched my intuition and practical skills as a designer and allowed me to meet many mentors and friends. I treasure these rare experiences and express my gratitude to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the School of Design.

^{Presentation on Positive Tourism during study trip to Amsterdam, Netherlands.}

Q2: How do you see the missions and opportunities of a designer in this ever-changing world?

Coco: I would like to quote the words that someone told me in my first year as a designer: “The ability to think critically and reflect during moments of upheaval is a powerful form of resilience.” A designer’s mindset is probably a tool to analyse situations, define problems, set goals, search for solutions, and implement them. This process requires user-centred problem-solving, sustainable and ethical considerations, interdisciplinary collaboration, integration of technology, cultural sensitivity, inclusiveness, adaptive lifelong learning, and, finally, innovation and creativity. The role of a designer in today’s rapidly evolving world is both challenging and full of opportunities. Sometimes, the label of “creativity” obscures the hard work involved and trivializes the process preceding it. Designers seek their own style, determine their future direction, and navigate fast-changing times to find opportunities matching their personalities and the fresh knowledge they need to acquire. They must perfect their skills while delivering updated knowledge to meet clients’ needs. Especially with the development of artificial intelligence, designers have a long way to go.

Q: What do you think has helped you win the award?

Coco: I think it is honest modesty yet confidence with a clearer understanding of myself and patience with something I only have a certain understanding of.
The process of completing the application form and preparing the supporting materials is, for me, a continuous process of making me more aware of where my strengths lie (which is academic performance, relatively speaking). However, this strength and how I market myself are not always fixed, as each person may excel in different aspects and fields. That is why it is important to understand, recognise, promote, yet stay modest.
When applied to a designer’s practice, it becomes an attitude of patience and unassuming (non-pre-assumption) towards the person, objects and issues confronting me. I believe the environments have shaped things into the state they are now. Give time to the context, and let it speak – this is the way to learn, analyse, understand and transform the knowledge as a part of mine, so that I grow.

Q: What’s your experience in Hong Kong and PolyU as a non-local student?

Coco: I am from the mainland and have been in Hong Kong for six years. Most of my classmates are local students, so I began listening to how they spoke and learning Cantonese. Later, I could understand most of it, which helped me get along with everyone more easily. I even completed an internship in a local design studio. Learning the local language has been a great way to understand the culture and the way of thinking derived from it, as well as social issues and residents’ needs. Over the years at PolyU and elsewhere in Hong Kong, I have met friendly people who have created a safe and comfortable environment for me to explore the city to the fullest. I have been fortunate to encounter individuals offering invaluable support and guidance. To those who shared their wisdom during challenging times, to those who believe in my potential, to those who show kindness and understanding – To families, friends, tutors and professors, groupmates and roommates, your impact will always be cherished and I wish us all the best.

^{Internship moments at Littleurbanmountain}

Story posted on 15 Apr, 2025